Twelve Step Model Versus Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy

Twelve Step Model Versus Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy

  • Submitted By: Yaacov
  • Date Submitted: 05/11/2013 2:15 AM
  • Category: Psychology
  • Words: 1496
  • Page: 6
  • Views: 2

Abstract

The spiritual self-help twelve step model and the Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy model were analyzed through attendance of meetings open to the public. Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) and Cocaine Anonymous (C.A.) represents the spiritually based twelve step program of recovery, while SMART (Self-management and Recovery Training®) represents the rational emotive behavior therapy model.

Introduction

The twelve steps to recovery of A.A. are unapologetic in their strong reference to and required faith in G-d or a power greater than oneself. For example in the text is found, “This is the how and why of it. First of all, we had to quit playing G-d. It didn't work. Next, we decided that hereafter in this drama of life; G-d was going to be our Director. He is the Principal; we are His agents. He is the Father, and we are His children. Most good ideas are simple, and this concept was the keystone of the new and triumphant arch through which we passed to freedom (Wilson, 2001).”

C.A. also uses the Big Book of A.A. for their fellowship and substitute reference to alcohol for cocaine. C.A. is basically an extension of A.A., using the twelve steps unabashedly requiring a faith in G-d, “When we sincerely took such a position, all sorts of remarkable things followed. We had a new Employer. Being all powerful, He provided what we needed, if we kept close to Him and performed His work well. Established on such a footing we became less and less interested in ourselves, our little plans and designs. More and more we became interested in seeing what we could contribute to life. As we felt new power flow in, as we enjoyed peace of mind, as we discovered we could face life successfully, as we became conscious of His presence, we began to lose our fear of today, tomorrow or the hereafter. We were reborn (Wilson, 2001).” Reborn, this just reeks of religiosity, particularly Christianity's Protestant ethos with its emphasis on being “born again.”

SMART does not...

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